For the perpetually impecunious (see: poor) indie filmmaker, a well-executed short or feature project can often be your best passport to the larger world. Left to our own scant devices, our calendars are unlikely to fill up with myriad jaunts to such exotic locales as Cannes, Venice, Locarno or, erm, Arkansas. But with a piping hot Dcp in hand, you not have not just an excuse to visit such places but an invitation. And few American cities are quite as dreamily summoned in the mind as day-glow Miami. After all: if it’s good enough for LeBron James, it’s good enough for us.
For 41 years, the Miami Film Festival has been showcasing innovative, inclusive work from new and emerging independent creators worldwide. Unsurprisingly, many of said creators are our own beloved Film Independent Fellows. In fact, a whopping 38 Fi Fellows will be in the Magic City next week to show new work,...
For 41 years, the Miami Film Festival has been showcasing innovative, inclusive work from new and emerging independent creators worldwide. Unsurprisingly, many of said creators are our own beloved Film Independent Fellows. In fact, a whopping 38 Fi Fellows will be in the Magic City next week to show new work,...
- 3/28/2024
- by Film Independent
- Film Independent News & More
Candle Media’s Exile Content Studio has joined forces with Trojan Horse Media, the team behind the Emmy-nominated Netflix documentary, “Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado,” to produce premium content with international appeal. This will include scripted, unscripted and audio content.
The new partners first collaborated on the podcast series “More Than a Movie: American Me,” which dropped on Sept. 15. The podcast series delves into the true story of Edward James Olmos’s 1992 cult film classic, “American Me,” and the legacy the polemical film left behind. The 12-episode audio-documentary is hosted by Trojan Media’s Alex Fumero.
Trojan Horse was founded earlier this year by Fumero and Kareem Tabsch after the success of “Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado.” It has recently produced the critically acclaimed docuseries “Menudo: Forever Young” for HBO Max and is in production on the limited docuseries “Gigante” for Disney’s Onyx Collective.
The new partners first collaborated on the podcast series “More Than a Movie: American Me,” which dropped on Sept. 15. The podcast series delves into the true story of Edward James Olmos’s 1992 cult film classic, “American Me,” and the legacy the polemical film left behind. The 12-episode audio-documentary is hosted by Trojan Media’s Alex Fumero.
Trojan Horse was founded earlier this year by Fumero and Kareem Tabsch after the success of “Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado.” It has recently produced the critically acclaimed docuseries “Menudo: Forever Young” for HBO Max and is in production on the limited docuseries “Gigante” for Disney’s Onyx Collective.
- 9/28/2022
- by Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Emmy-nominated filmmakers Alex Fumero and Kareem Tabsch are partnering to form the production company Trojan Horse. The company will be based in Los Angeles and Miami.
Deadline recently announced their latest project under the banner for Onyx, the limited docuseries Gigante, in collaboration with Don Francisco.
Producing unscripted and scripted feature films, series, and podcasts, Trojan Horse recently co-produced the four-part docuseries Menudo: Forever Young, directed by Angel Manuel Soto and Kristofer Rios. The series is set to premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival ahead of its June 23 release on HBO Max. Fumero executive produced the project.
Trojan Horse also produced the podcast Crumbs with Sonoro for iHeartMedia.
“We’re both bilingual, bicultural, first-generation Americans. Like us, there are millions more who coexist across various cultures and communities and whose stories are important, compelling, entertaining, and ready to be embraced by mainstream audiences. We’re excited to bring those stories to audiences everywhere,...
Deadline recently announced their latest project under the banner for Onyx, the limited docuseries Gigante, in collaboration with Don Francisco.
Producing unscripted and scripted feature films, series, and podcasts, Trojan Horse recently co-produced the four-part docuseries Menudo: Forever Young, directed by Angel Manuel Soto and Kristofer Rios. The series is set to premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival ahead of its June 23 release on HBO Max. Fumero executive produced the project.
Trojan Horse also produced the podcast Crumbs with Sonoro for iHeartMedia.
“We’re both bilingual, bicultural, first-generation Americans. Like us, there are millions more who coexist across various cultures and communities and whose stories are important, compelling, entertaining, and ready to be embraced by mainstream audiences. We’re excited to bring those stories to audiences everywhere,...
- 5/16/2022
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Disney’s Onyx Collective has ordered the four-part limited docuseries Gigante from Don Francisco and Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado filmmakers Alex Fumero and Kareem Tabsch. Gigante will be streamed exclusively on Hulu in the U.S., Star+ in Latin America, and Disney+ in all other territories at a future date.
Spanning through four distinct eras in U.S. Latino history, Gigante tells the story of how immigrants from different Latin American countries created a tenuous alliance that would come to harness the social capital, economic prowess, and political influence that forever changed the United States. With the unfettered participation of Don Francisco, access to 53 years of Sabado Gigante archives, and interviews with A-list celebrities, Gigante explores how the longest-running variety show in the history of television helped shape a new demographic and became a political force.
“To say we are enthusiastic...
Spanning through four distinct eras in U.S. Latino history, Gigante tells the story of how immigrants from different Latin American countries created a tenuous alliance that would come to harness the social capital, economic prowess, and political influence that forever changed the United States. With the unfettered participation of Don Francisco, access to 53 years of Sabado Gigante archives, and interviews with A-list celebrities, Gigante explores how the longest-running variety show in the history of television helped shape a new demographic and became a political force.
“To say we are enthusiastic...
- 5/12/2022
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
The Imagen Foundation has announced nominations for the 36th annual Imagen Awards, honoring film and TV shows that celebrate Latino talent. In the best feature film field, Netflix landed two: “Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado” and “Ya No Estoy Aqui” / “I’m No Longer Here.” The streamer also received TV drama nods for “Quién Mató a Sara?” / “Who Killed Sara?” and “Selena: The Series,” as well as a comedy nom for “Mr. Iglesias.”
Helen Hernandez, president of the Imagen Foundation, announced the nominations on Monday. The Imagen Awards will be streamed on PBSSoCal.org and Kcet.org on Sunday, October 10, at 5 p.m. Pt.
“The Imagen Foundation continues to be proud of being the only awards ceremony that honors Latino talent and contributions within the television, film, and streaming platforms,” Hernandez said. “This year we hit another milestone, having increased to 350 submissions for consideration, a record since last year.
Helen Hernandez, president of the Imagen Foundation, announced the nominations on Monday. The Imagen Awards will be streamed on PBSSoCal.org and Kcet.org on Sunday, October 10, at 5 p.m. Pt.
“The Imagen Foundation continues to be proud of being the only awards ceremony that honors Latino talent and contributions within the television, film, and streaming platforms,” Hernandez said. “This year we hit another milestone, having increased to 350 submissions for consideration, a record since last year.
- 8/2/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
The Imagen Awards on Monday revealed nominations for its 36th edition, honoring Latino talent and contributions for the year across TV, film and streaming. Winners will be revealed October 10 in a ceremony on PBSSoCal.org and Kcet.org.
Netflix’s Selena: The Series, Starz’s Vida and FX’s Pose are among the top nominees overall, with Selena scoring a leading seven noms including in the Best Primetime Show – Drama category. That race also features Pose and fellow FX series Mayans M.C., USA Network’s Queen of the South, NBC’s This Is Us, HBO Max’s Veneno and Netflix’s Who Killed Sara?
Vida, which aired its third and final season in 2020, had six noms and was joined in the Best Primetime Show – Comedy race by Televisa’s ¿Quién es la Máscara?, Hulu’s Love, Victor, Netflix’s Mr. Iglesias, HBO Max’s Genera+ion and NBC’s Superstore.
Netflix’s Selena: The Series, Starz’s Vida and FX’s Pose are among the top nominees overall, with Selena scoring a leading seven noms including in the Best Primetime Show – Drama category. That race also features Pose and fellow FX series Mayans M.C., USA Network’s Queen of the South, NBC’s This Is Us, HBO Max’s Veneno and Netflix’s Who Killed Sara?
Vida, which aired its third and final season in 2020, had six noms and was joined in the Best Primetime Show – Comedy race by Televisa’s ¿Quién es la Máscara?, Hulu’s Love, Victor, Netflix’s Mr. Iglesias, HBO Max’s Genera+ion and NBC’s Superstore.
- 8/2/2021
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Executive and producer joined in 2018.
Pablo and Juan de Dios Larraín of Chilean powerhouse Fabula, whose upcoming Spencer starring Kristen Stewart is a strong contender for a world premiere slot in Venice, have promoted Andrew Hevia to head of film and TV of the North American office.
In his new role Hevia will oversee Fabula’s slate of English-language features and domestic TV projects and manage the company’s first-look arrangement with global TV producer Fremantle.
Hevia was brought in to help launch the North American office in 2018 and worked as vice-president of film and TV. He will be joined by Constanza Muñoz,...
Pablo and Juan de Dios Larraín of Chilean powerhouse Fabula, whose upcoming Spencer starring Kristen Stewart is a strong contender for a world premiere slot in Venice, have promoted Andrew Hevia to head of film and TV of the North American office.
In his new role Hevia will oversee Fabula’s slate of English-language features and domestic TV projects and manage the company’s first-look arrangement with global TV producer Fremantle.
Hevia was brought in to help launch the North American office in 2018 and worked as vice-president of film and TV. He will be joined by Constanza Muñoz,...
- 7/9/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Documentary+, the nascent streaming service from Xtr, is bolstering its rank with the hire of Sundance’s Charlie Sextro.
Sextro is working with the company as its editor-in-chief of the service, overseeing the curation of films for the nonfiction platform. He will also remain a Senior Programmer for the Sundance Film Festival.
The streaming platform features a film library that ranges from Academy Award-winners to festival darlings.
“There are few people on the planet as passionate about documentaries as Charlie Sextro,” said Bryn Mooser, co-founder of Documentary+ and CEO of Xtr. “His work the past decade with Sundance has shaped the modern documentary industry as we know it and it’s an honor for us to have him on our team. We can’t wait to share what we’re working on together.”
Sextro’s possesses over a decade of experience at the Sundance Film Festival, where he helped shape the festival,...
Sextro is working with the company as its editor-in-chief of the service, overseeing the curation of films for the nonfiction platform. He will also remain a Senior Programmer for the Sundance Film Festival.
The streaming platform features a film library that ranges from Academy Award-winners to festival darlings.
“There are few people on the planet as passionate about documentaries as Charlie Sextro,” said Bryn Mooser, co-founder of Documentary+ and CEO of Xtr. “His work the past decade with Sundance has shaped the modern documentary industry as we know it and it’s an honor for us to have him on our team. We can’t wait to share what we’re working on together.”
Sextro’s possesses over a decade of experience at the Sundance Film Festival, where he helped shape the festival,...
- 3/25/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
WME has signed documentary filmmaker Kareem Tabsch, best known for co-directing the Netflix documentary, Mucho Mucho Amor, about the life of Walter Mercado.
The docu, which premiered at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival, tells the story of the beloved cultural icon and astrologer who delivered daily horoscopes on television to avid fans in his native Puerto Rico, throughout Latin America, and other parts of the globe.
Tabsch, an LGBTQ filmmaker of Cuban-American and Middle Eastern descent, made his directing debut with Cherry Pop: The Story of the World’s Fanciest Cat, which was named Best Documentary Short at Birmingham’s Sidewalk Film Festival. He followed up with Dolphin Lover, a short film that had its premiere at the Slamdance Film Festival, where it earned Honorable Mention and won the Best Short Documentary Prize at the LA Film Fest. His 2018 documentary The Last Resort won Audience Favorite Documentary at the Miami Jewish...
The docu, which premiered at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival, tells the story of the beloved cultural icon and astrologer who delivered daily horoscopes on television to avid fans in his native Puerto Rico, throughout Latin America, and other parts of the globe.
Tabsch, an LGBTQ filmmaker of Cuban-American and Middle Eastern descent, made his directing debut with Cherry Pop: The Story of the World’s Fanciest Cat, which was named Best Documentary Short at Birmingham’s Sidewalk Film Festival. He followed up with Dolphin Lover, a short film that had its premiere at the Slamdance Film Festival, where it earned Honorable Mention and won the Best Short Documentary Prize at the LA Film Fest. His 2018 documentary The Last Resort won Audience Favorite Documentary at the Miami Jewish...
- 3/9/2021
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Chloé Zhao’s “Nomadland” swept the Latino Entertainment Film Awards on Sunday, taking home four awards, including best picture, director, cinematography and editing.
The awards, which are voted on and presented by the Latino Entertainment Journalists Association, also honored Oscar-nominated actor Rosie Perez with the Rita Moreno Lifetime Achievement Award and the Latino Activism Award. In a pre-taped speech, Perez thanked the Leja and spoke about her work as an activist.
“It’s weird getting an award for it to be quite honest – because I don’t do it for that. I do it just to help make the world a better place for everyone,” Perez said.
“The Prom” and “Hamilton” star Ariana DeBose was given the Latino Breakout Award. “I believe fervently in representation and I’m really proud to be even be a small part of the expansion of how we are viewed in this entertainment industry. We are a vast,...
The awards, which are voted on and presented by the Latino Entertainment Journalists Association, also honored Oscar-nominated actor Rosie Perez with the Rita Moreno Lifetime Achievement Award and the Latino Activism Award. In a pre-taped speech, Perez thanked the Leja and spoke about her work as an activist.
“It’s weird getting an award for it to be quite honest – because I don’t do it for that. I do it just to help make the world a better place for everyone,” Perez said.
“The Prom” and “Hamilton” star Ariana DeBose was given the Latino Breakout Award. “I believe fervently in representation and I’m really proud to be even be a small part of the expansion of how we are viewed in this entertainment industry. We are a vast,...
- 3/7/2021
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
Another new streaming service has launched, this one a niche platform called Documentary+ dedicated solely to nonfiction films.
The free, ad-supported streaming platform is available on Thursday and was launched as a joint venture between the nonfiction studio Xtr and the late former Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh.
Documentary+ currently has a library of over 200 feature-length and short documentary films, including classics, cult favorites, true crime stories, sports films and rock docs. Some of the films in the initial catalog include “The Imposter,” “Life, Animated,” “Born Into Brothels,” “Cartel Land” and more. The service also features docs by filmmakers such as Spike Jonze, Kathryn Bigelow, Terrence Malick, Brett Morgen, Roger Ross Williams, Davis Guggenheim and Werner Herzog, including his “My Best Fiend” and “Little Dieter Learns to Fly.”
Other up-and-coming filmmakers with movies on the platform include Lana Wilson, Ramona S. Diaz, Nanfu Wang, Clay Tweel, Kareem Tabsch and Laura Gabbert.
The free, ad-supported streaming platform is available on Thursday and was launched as a joint venture between the nonfiction studio Xtr and the late former Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh.
Documentary+ currently has a library of over 200 feature-length and short documentary films, including classics, cult favorites, true crime stories, sports films and rock docs. Some of the films in the initial catalog include “The Imposter,” “Life, Animated,” “Born Into Brothels,” “Cartel Land” and more. The service also features docs by filmmakers such as Spike Jonze, Kathryn Bigelow, Terrence Malick, Brett Morgen, Roger Ross Williams, Davis Guggenheim and Werner Herzog, including his “My Best Fiend” and “Little Dieter Learns to Fly.”
Other up-and-coming filmmakers with movies on the platform include Lana Wilson, Ramona S. Diaz, Nanfu Wang, Clay Tweel, Kareem Tabsch and Laura Gabbert.
- 1/28/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Documentary+, the non-fiction streamer from You Cannot Kill David Arquette studio Xtr, has unveiled its launch slate.
The service, which launches today, will include feature-length and short documentary films from the likes of Spike Jonze, Kathryn Bigelow, Terrence Malick, Brett Morgen, Andrea Nevins, Roger Ross Williams, Zana Briski, Davis Guggenheim, and Werner Herzog.
Titles include The Imposter, Life, Animated, Born into Brothels, Cartel Land, Dior and I and Being Evel. There are political films such as Cory Booker film Street Fight, Elian Gonzalez story Elian and Lee Atwater’s Boogie Man as well as music documentaries including Seattle grunge doc Hype!, Colin Hanks’ Tower Records doc All Things Must Pass and The Other F Word as well as sports doc One Man and His Shoes about Michael Jordan.
It will also feature the work of up-and-coming filmmakers from the likes of Lana Wilson (Miss Americana), Ramona S. Diaz (A Thousand Cuts...
The service, which launches today, will include feature-length and short documentary films from the likes of Spike Jonze, Kathryn Bigelow, Terrence Malick, Brett Morgen, Andrea Nevins, Roger Ross Williams, Zana Briski, Davis Guggenheim, and Werner Herzog.
Titles include The Imposter, Life, Animated, Born into Brothels, Cartel Land, Dior and I and Being Evel. There are political films such as Cory Booker film Street Fight, Elian Gonzalez story Elian and Lee Atwater’s Boogie Man as well as music documentaries including Seattle grunge doc Hype!, Colin Hanks’ Tower Records doc All Things Must Pass and The Other F Word as well as sports doc One Man and His Shoes about Michael Jordan.
It will also feature the work of up-and-coming filmmakers from the likes of Lana Wilson (Miss Americana), Ramona S. Diaz (A Thousand Cuts...
- 1/28/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
In a year of pandemic, social unrest and political polarization, one Oscar-contending documentary arrived to lift people’s spirits, not just in the U.S. but around the world.
Mucho Mucho Amor tells the story of a beloved cultural icon, Walter Mercado, an astrologer who delivered daily horoscopes on television to avid fans in his native Puerto Rico, throughout Latin America, and other parts of the globe.
“Walter was huge,” says Cristina Costantini, who directed the Netflix documentary with Kareem Tabsch. “One hundred twenty million people a day would tune in to watch Walter, which is like a Super Bowl audience every single day. Part of the reason that we wanted to make this movie is just to honor this incredible legacy.”
From his debut in 1969, what set Mercado apart was his arresting appearance: He blurred gender lines, adorned in elaborate capes and jewelry, his hair blow-dried into a nimbus of cotton candy.
Mucho Mucho Amor tells the story of a beloved cultural icon, Walter Mercado, an astrologer who delivered daily horoscopes on television to avid fans in his native Puerto Rico, throughout Latin America, and other parts of the globe.
“Walter was huge,” says Cristina Costantini, who directed the Netflix documentary with Kareem Tabsch. “One hundred twenty million people a day would tune in to watch Walter, which is like a Super Bowl audience every single day. Part of the reason that we wanted to make this movie is just to honor this incredible legacy.”
From his debut in 1969, what set Mercado apart was his arresting appearance: He blurred gender lines, adorned in elaborate capes and jewelry, his hair blow-dried into a nimbus of cotton candy.
- 1/27/2021
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
The numbers told an exciting story: For the first time ever, five major tentpole feature films directed by women were set to be released in a single calendar year: Cate Shortland’s “Black Widow,” Chloé Zhao’s “Eternals,” “Cathy Yan’s “Birds of Prey,” Patty Jenkins’ “Wonder Woman 1984,” and Niki Caro’s “Mulan.” The year 2020 was going to show real progress and provide a sign of different things to come, aided by a push for visibility that had so far alluded even the industry’s most well-known female filmmakers. The five films on the schedule — four of which were tied to the biggest active franchises of the moment — were only part of a bigger picture.
You know what happened next: a pandemic.
Its impact shut down whole countries and has claimed over a million lives to date. For the movies, the changes were swift and brutal: postponed and canceled projects,...
You know what happened next: a pandemic.
Its impact shut down whole countries and has claimed over a million lives to date. For the movies, the changes were swift and brutal: postponed and canceled projects,...
- 12/18/2020
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Monday, Oct. 5 Filipina Music Drama ‘Yellow Rose’ Backed by Gold House
Cultural movement Gold House is supporting the Filipina music drama “Yellow Rose” through its #GoldOpen campaign, which backed “Parasite,” “The Farewell,” “Crazy Rich Asians” and “Just Mercy.”
The Sony release, which opens Oct. 9, centers on an undocumented Filipina teen from a small Texas town who fights to pursue her dreams as a country music performer while having to decide between staying with her family or leaving the only home she has known.
The film, directed by Diana Paragas in her narrative feature debut, stars Eva Noblezada and Lea Salonga. Events include a live Twitter watch party on Oct. 8 and a streamed Q&a on Oct. 9 with the “Yellow Rose” cast and Paragas director moderated by Jazz Tangcay of Variety. The campaign also includes efforts to celebrate Filipino American history and Filipino storytellers through Cinema Sala and the Filipino American Historical Society.
Cultural movement Gold House is supporting the Filipina music drama “Yellow Rose” through its #GoldOpen campaign, which backed “Parasite,” “The Farewell,” “Crazy Rich Asians” and “Just Mercy.”
The Sony release, which opens Oct. 9, centers on an undocumented Filipina teen from a small Texas town who fights to pursue her dreams as a country music performer while having to decide between staying with her family or leaving the only home she has known.
The film, directed by Diana Paragas in her narrative feature debut, stars Eva Noblezada and Lea Salonga. Events include a live Twitter watch party on Oct. 8 and a streamed Q&a on Oct. 9 with the “Yellow Rose” cast and Paragas director moderated by Jazz Tangcay of Variety. The campaign also includes efforts to celebrate Filipino American history and Filipino storytellers through Cinema Sala and the Filipino American Historical Society.
- 10/6/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
By Glenn Dunks
When we look back at our 2020 times stuck indoors for endless hours, I wonder what people will remember. Among the much more high profile television series and surprise album drops, I suspect one title many will find themselves reaching for in their memories is Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado. I have to admit to being entirely oblivious to the focus of Cristina Costantini and Kareem Tabsch's documentary except a well-timed ‘appearance’ on RuPaul’s Drag Race just a week before the film premiered on Netflix. Unless I caught him on an episode of Sally Jessy Raphael, I guess.
What I discovered—and what I imagine is what will allow for fond remembrance of the movie once we are long out of isolation hubs—was something so very sweetly tender. A film that’s every bit as fabulous as the elaborate, bejewelled cloaks and...
When we look back at our 2020 times stuck indoors for endless hours, I wonder what people will remember. Among the much more high profile television series and surprise album drops, I suspect one title many will find themselves reaching for in their memories is Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado. I have to admit to being entirely oblivious to the focus of Cristina Costantini and Kareem Tabsch's documentary except a well-timed ‘appearance’ on RuPaul’s Drag Race just a week before the film premiered on Netflix. Unless I caught him on an episode of Sally Jessy Raphael, I guess.
What I discovered—and what I imagine is what will allow for fond remembrance of the movie once we are long out of isolation hubs—was something so very sweetly tender. A film that’s every bit as fabulous as the elaborate, bejewelled cloaks and...
- 8/12/2020
- by Glenn Dunks
- FilmExperience
Walter Mercado gave almost half the world their daily horoscopes, drawing 120 million Latinx viewers to their televisions every evening. Each of the astrologer’s fans got a personal reading which resonated with them, even though they shared their sign’s message with millions of others. Walter didn’t even have to consult his ephemeris. Mucho Mucho Amor, which can be streamed on Netflix, is named after Walter’s signature closing. Co-directed by Cristina Costantini (Science Fair) and Kareem Tabsch (The Last Resort), and produced by Alex Fumero (I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson), it is a loving look at the beloved and revolutionary performer.
Walter was one of the first mainstream androgynous Latin American figures and has become an LGBT icon, the Liberace of astrologers. He was also one of the first astrologers since Jeane Dixon to bring the ancient art to modern audiences. Before Marianne Williamson became...
Walter was one of the first mainstream androgynous Latin American figures and has become an LGBT icon, the Liberace of astrologers. He was also one of the first astrologers since Jeane Dixon to bring the ancient art to modern audiences. Before Marianne Williamson became...
- 7/13/2020
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
This unusual summer movie season continues this weekend with a particularly diverse batch of high profile releases hitting a variety of streaming platforms, along with the flow of independent and foreign films continuing to premiere on video-on-demand services.
The romantic comedy “Palm Springs” made headlines when it premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January. Hulu and Neon purchased rights to the comedy for $17,500,000.69, breaking the record for the biggest sale at the festival by just $0.69. Though Neon had originally planned a theatrical release, the movie will only be at a few drive-in theaters nationwide. However, it is available to stream for anyone with a Hulu subscription. Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti star as two wedding guests caught in a time loop, repeating the same day again and again.
Tom Hanks has also veered into the streaming realm with “Greyhound,” a WWII naval thriller which Hanks wrote and stars in.
The romantic comedy “Palm Springs” made headlines when it premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January. Hulu and Neon purchased rights to the comedy for $17,500,000.69, breaking the record for the biggest sale at the festival by just $0.69. Though Neon had originally planned a theatrical release, the movie will only be at a few drive-in theaters nationwide. However, it is available to stream for anyone with a Hulu subscription. Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti star as two wedding guests caught in a time loop, repeating the same day again and again.
Tom Hanks has also veered into the streaming realm with “Greyhound,” a WWII naval thriller which Hanks wrote and stars in.
- 7/10/2020
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
With a seemingly endless amount of streaming options—not only the titles at our disposal, but services themselves–each week we highlight the noteworthy titles that have recently hit platforms. Check out this week’s selections below and past round-ups here.
The Beach House (Jeffrey A. Brown)
There’s a lot to like about Jeffrey A. Brown’s feature directorial debut The Beach House, from its gorgeous production design to its ruminations on mankind’s fragility when compared with Mother Nature’s hardier offerings (despite our penchant for believing we hold dominion over Her). It’s therefore easy to appreciate the reason Emily (Liana Liberato), Randall (Noah Le Gros), Mitch (Jake Weber), and Jane (Maryanne Nagel) have arrived at a site that may end up being their tomb because we’re quick to ignore the baked-in irony too. This was supposed to be an escape from life’s struggles—a...
The Beach House (Jeffrey A. Brown)
There’s a lot to like about Jeffrey A. Brown’s feature directorial debut The Beach House, from its gorgeous production design to its ruminations on mankind’s fragility when compared with Mother Nature’s hardier offerings (despite our penchant for believing we hold dominion over Her). It’s therefore easy to appreciate the reason Emily (Liana Liberato), Randall (Noah Le Gros), Mitch (Jake Weber), and Jane (Maryanne Nagel) have arrived at a site that may end up being their tomb because we’re quick to ignore the baked-in irony too. This was supposed to be an escape from life’s struggles—a...
- 7/10/2020
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Walter Mercado knew how to make an entrance.
Just ask the filmmakers behind the new Netflix documentary “Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado” about meeting the iconic television astrologer for the first time at his home just outside of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
“We go into his office and meet his secretary and his nieces and they take us upstairs to one of his sitting rooms,” co-director Kareem Tabsch tells Variety. “It’s a sunken and about three steps down. It’s jammed full of books, religious iconography, pictures of James Dean, Rita Hayworth and Oscar Wilde and La Virgen de la Caridad. We’re probably kept waiting for about 40 or 45 minutes when all of a sudden, Walter just appears hovering. You know, he’s dressed like Christina, Alex, he’s dressed head to toe and white linen with his mane of hair and these gold Yves Saint Laurent glasses.
Just ask the filmmakers behind the new Netflix documentary “Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado” about meeting the iconic television astrologer for the first time at his home just outside of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
“We go into his office and meet his secretary and his nieces and they take us upstairs to one of his sitting rooms,” co-director Kareem Tabsch tells Variety. “It’s a sunken and about three steps down. It’s jammed full of books, religious iconography, pictures of James Dean, Rita Hayworth and Oscar Wilde and La Virgen de la Caridad. We’re probably kept waiting for about 40 or 45 minutes when all of a sudden, Walter just appears hovering. You know, he’s dressed like Christina, Alex, he’s dressed head to toe and white linen with his mane of hair and these gold Yves Saint Laurent glasses.
- 7/10/2020
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
Walter Mercado signed off every one of his wildly popular televised astrology readings with a vital and uplifting message, one which resonates just as much today: “Reciban de mi siempre mucho paz, pero sobre todo mucho mucho mucho amor.” May you receive from me always, peace, lots of peace, but above all, lots and lots of love.
The late Puerto Rican actor and dancer was the first and most widely televised astrologer in the world, gracing TV screens and radio stations in every Spanish-speaking market for nearly four decades beginning in the 1970s. He disappeared from public view amidst an arduous legal battle over the rights to his name and previous work, retreating to a fortress-like villa in San Juan. His outsized personality, dazzling capes, and uplifting message of love earned him the arduous devotion of millions of fans the world over. Mercado passed away in 2019, but his spirit endures,...
The late Puerto Rican actor and dancer was the first and most widely televised astrologer in the world, gracing TV screens and radio stations in every Spanish-speaking market for nearly four decades beginning in the 1970s. He disappeared from public view amidst an arduous legal battle over the rights to his name and previous work, retreating to a fortress-like villa in San Juan. His outsized personality, dazzling capes, and uplifting message of love earned him the arduous devotion of millions of fans the world over. Mercado passed away in 2019, but his spirit endures,...
- 7/9/2020
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
“Through Walter Mercado’s existence we have greater acceptance for people around us.” – Lin-Manuel Miranda
Querido Walter,
Although you’re gone from the physical realm where once we co-existed, I’m writing to thank you for leaving us behind so much of your knowledge, beauty, and grace in Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado, and for allowing directors Cristina Costantini and Kareem Tabsch to distill your message of love and acceptance into a documentary that’s so entertaining, intimate, and enlightening.
I grew up one block away from the Church of Los Dolores in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, a baroque structure completed in the 18th century. As a little boy, I often accompanied my great-grandmother to mass, and remember being fascinated by the opulence. Saints with pale faces and broken-hearted expressions who were always decked in extravagant robes and capes, with crystal and gold-leaf finishes. I was always drawn to the central altar,...
Querido Walter,
Although you’re gone from the physical realm where once we co-existed, I’m writing to thank you for leaving us behind so much of your knowledge, beauty, and grace in Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado, and for allowing directors Cristina Costantini and Kareem Tabsch to distill your message of love and acceptance into a documentary that’s so entertaining, intimate, and enlightening.
I grew up one block away from the Church of Los Dolores in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, a baroque structure completed in the 18th century. As a little boy, I often accompanied my great-grandmother to mass, and remember being fascinated by the opulence. Saints with pale faces and broken-hearted expressions who were always decked in extravagant robes and capes, with crystal and gold-leaf finishes. I was always drawn to the central altar,...
- 7/9/2020
- by Jose Solís
- The Film Stage
The co-directors and producer of a new Netflix documentary about the life of iconic television astrologer Walter Mercado are hoping to adapt the film into a scripted biopic.
Cristina Costantini, who directed “Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado” with Kareem Tabsch, tells Variety that they asked Mercado who he wanted to play him. “I suggested Gael García Bernal and he said, ‘Too old,’” Costantini said. “So we said, ‘Well, who would you have play you?’ And he said, ‘Who is that boy from “Call Me by Your Name?”’ And we said, ‘Timothée Chalamet?’ And he said, ‘Yes, this would be a good opportunity for him.’ I just love that he picked this child.”
Producer Alex Fumero said, laughing, “There might be some representation issues but Walter will always choose youth and beauty over anything else, including Latino representation.”
Mercado’s career began in 1969 when he began reading horoscopes...
Cristina Costantini, who directed “Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado” with Kareem Tabsch, tells Variety that they asked Mercado who he wanted to play him. “I suggested Gael García Bernal and he said, ‘Too old,’” Costantini said. “So we said, ‘Well, who would you have play you?’ And he said, ‘Who is that boy from “Call Me by Your Name?”’ And we said, ‘Timothée Chalamet?’ And he said, ‘Yes, this would be a good opportunity for him.’ I just love that he picked this child.”
Producer Alex Fumero said, laughing, “There might be some representation issues but Walter will always choose youth and beauty over anything else, including Latino representation.”
Mercado’s career began in 1969 when he began reading horoscopes...
- 7/9/2020
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
Premiering at Sundance back in the pre-pandemic festival days Mucho Mucho Amor is a much-needed uplift in these trying times. Co-directed and produced by Cristina Costantini (Science Fair) and Kareem Tabsch (The Last Resort), and produced by Alex Fumero (I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson), the doc, which hits Netflix today, is a fascinating odyssey into the beautifully eccentric world of Walter Mercado. Combining the fashion sense of Liberace with the relentless positivity of Tammy Faye Bakker, the Puerto Rican astrologer, psychic and defiantly nonbinary pioneer spent decades spreading his mantra of “mucho mucho amor” to an audience […]...
- 7/8/2020
- by Lauren Wissot
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
Premiering at Sundance back in the pre-pandemic festival days Mucho Mucho Amor is a much-needed uplift in these trying times. Co-directed and produced by Cristina Costantini (Science Fair) and Kareem Tabsch (The Last Resort), and produced by Alex Fumero (I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson), the doc, which hits Netflix today, is a fascinating odyssey into the beautifully eccentric world of Walter Mercado. Combining the fashion sense of Liberace with the relentless positivity of Tammy Faye Bakker, the Puerto Rican astrologer, psychic and defiantly nonbinary pioneer spent decades spreading his mantra of “mucho mucho amor” to an audience […]...
- 7/8/2020
- by Lauren Wissot
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Documentary “Mucho Mucho Amor,” from Latinx filmmakers Cristina Costantini (“Science Fair”) and Kareem Tabsch (“The Last Resort”), focuses on the legacy of Walter Mercado, the iconic gender-nonconforming Hispanic astrologer who disappeared from the public eye, choosing to live off the grid in Puerto Rico, before resurfacing to prepare for the opening of a late-in-life exhibition at the HistoryMiami Museum.
Cinematographer Peter Alton had worked with Costantini on “Science Fair” and was her first choice to capture Mercado’s intimate moments for the doc, now streaming on Netflix, as the octogenarian grapples with aging and how he wants to be remembered during what prove to be the final two years of his life.
What was your awareness of who Mercado was? It was pretty minimal. I think I had seen him on TV in the ’90s. Sort of like on the Psychic Network.
What was the challenge in filming him so intimately?...
Cinematographer Peter Alton had worked with Costantini on “Science Fair” and was her first choice to capture Mercado’s intimate moments for the doc, now streaming on Netflix, as the octogenarian grapples with aging and how he wants to be remembered during what prove to be the final two years of his life.
What was your awareness of who Mercado was? It was pretty minimal. I think I had seen him on TV in the ’90s. Sort of like on the Psychic Network.
What was the challenge in filming him so intimately?...
- 7/8/2020
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
A beloved astrologer’s spiritual and sexual influence is lovingly recounted in Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado.
“Love is the essence of everything,” we read in the first Mucho Mucho Amor trailer, and the new Netflix Original Documentary has nothing but love for the iconic astrologer Walter Mercado. Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado will hit the streamer globally on July 8.
The documentary was directed by Cristina Costantini (Science Fair) and Kareem Tabsch (The Last Resort), and produced by Alex Fumero (I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson). They got “unprecedented access to Walter during his post-fame seclusion” and were invited into “his home and interior world,” according to the press release. The documentary captures the psychic entertainer’s final two years, “when the pioneering icon grappled with aging and his legacy, as he prepared for one last star-studded spectacle.”
During his long career,...
“Love is the essence of everything,” we read in the first Mucho Mucho Amor trailer, and the new Netflix Original Documentary has nothing but love for the iconic astrologer Walter Mercado. Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado will hit the streamer globally on July 8.
The documentary was directed by Cristina Costantini (Science Fair) and Kareem Tabsch (The Last Resort), and produced by Alex Fumero (I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson). They got “unprecedented access to Walter during his post-fame seclusion” and were invited into “his home and interior world,” according to the press release. The documentary captures the psychic entertainer’s final two years, “when the pioneering icon grappled with aging and his legacy, as he prepared for one last star-studded spectacle.”
During his long career,...
- 6/30/2020
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
The English-speaking world had Miss Cleo, and the Spanish-speaking world had Walter Mercado. While one turned out to be a con artist, the other disappeared from public eye without so much as a characteristically dramatic flourish. The legendary Puerto Rican psychic and astrologer captivated the Latin world with his glamorous style, gender-nonconforming persona, and warmhearted cosmic readings. Now, he is poised to reach a new level of fandom with a lovingly crafted documentary about his life and career, directed by Cristina Costantini and Kareem Tabsch. “Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado” premiered at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival in January, and will hit screens worldwide on Netflix next week.
Here’s the official synopsis: “Every day for decades, extravagant Puerto Rican astrologer, psychic, and gender nonconforming legend Walter Mercado charmed the world with his televised horoscopes. Equal parts Oprah, Liberace, and Mr. Rogers, Walter reached over 120 million viewers at his peak,...
Here’s the official synopsis: “Every day for decades, extravagant Puerto Rican astrologer, psychic, and gender nonconforming legend Walter Mercado charmed the world with his televised horoscopes. Equal parts Oprah, Liberace, and Mr. Rogers, Walter reached over 120 million viewers at his peak,...
- 6/29/2020
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
"Love is the essence of everything." Netflix has unveiled the official trailer for a documentary feature titled Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado, the latest project by doc filmmakers Cristina Costantini & Kareem Tabsch. This premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, and it will be streaming on Netflix in July. Sundance explains: "Extravagant Puerto Rican astrologer, psychic, and gender nonconforming legend Walter Mercado charmed the world for over 30 years with televised horoscopes. Equal parts Oprah, Liberace, and Mr. Rogers, Walter was a celebrated daily part of Latin culture—until one day in 2007 he mysteriously disappeared. Over a decade later, the filmmakers find Walter and invite us into his home and interior world as he prepares to restore his legacy in the public eye." It examines his "complex story from the rural sugarcane fields of Puerto Rico to international astrology superstardom, rising above homophobia and the heteronormative...
- 6/29/2020
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Netflix has released the official trailer for its upcoming documentary on the storied Puerto Rican astrologer, Walter Mercado, Mucho Mucho Amor, set to premiere July 8th.
For decades, Mercado was one of the most celebrated figures on Spanish-language television — an extravagant, endlessly positive, gender non-conforming sage who dispensed horoscopes, fortunes and the wisdom of the stars to over 120 million viewers at his peak. “From the moment I was born, I knew that I was not like everybody,” Mercado says in an interview in the trailer. “Everything about me was different.
For decades, Mercado was one of the most celebrated figures on Spanish-language television — an extravagant, endlessly positive, gender non-conforming sage who dispensed horoscopes, fortunes and the wisdom of the stars to over 120 million viewers at his peak. “From the moment I was born, I knew that I was not like everybody,” Mercado says in an interview in the trailer. “Everything about me was different.
- 6/29/2020
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
The late Puerto Rican astrologer Walter Mercado wishes you lots of love from the great beyond in the first trailer for his documentary film “Mucho Mucho Amor,” which examines the fascinating legacy and legend of one of the Spanish-speaking TV world’s brightest stars.
“Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado” is a Netflix documentary about the extravagant Mercado, who every day for decades charmed the world with televised horoscopes and psychic predictions until he one day mysteriously disappeared. Mercado wore sequined capes, opulent jewelry and gave horoscopes of love and hope to his viewers, reaching over 120 million viewers in the Latin world at the peak of his career.
And he became iconic for his gender nonconforming look and persona that’s equal parts Oprah, Liberace and Mr. Rogers. The documentary from directors Christina Costantini and Kareem Tabsch captures Mercado’s final two years of his life after he...
“Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado” is a Netflix documentary about the extravagant Mercado, who every day for decades charmed the world with televised horoscopes and psychic predictions until he one day mysteriously disappeared. Mercado wore sequined capes, opulent jewelry and gave horoscopes of love and hope to his viewers, reaching over 120 million viewers in the Latin world at the peak of his career.
And he became iconic for his gender nonconforming look and persona that’s equal parts Oprah, Liberace and Mr. Rogers. The documentary from directors Christina Costantini and Kareem Tabsch captures Mercado’s final two years of his life after he...
- 6/29/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and O Cinema will work with Magnolia Pictures to make “I Am Not Your Negro,” “Whose Streets?” and “Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am” available to watch for free.
The effort comes in the wake of protests that are sweeping across the U.S., as tens of thousands of people have assembled in the streets to call attention to police brutality and systemic racism. They have been motivated to speak out because of the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. The three films, which focus on influential Civil Rights leaders and Black thinkers such as James Baldwin and Toni Morrison, as well as issues of social injustice, could not be more topical.
Starting on June 7, the film will be available in eight cities through community partners. The cities include Akron, Ohio; Charlotte, North Carolina; Detroit, Michigan; Macon, Georgia; Miami,...
The effort comes in the wake of protests that are sweeping across the U.S., as tens of thousands of people have assembled in the streets to call attention to police brutality and systemic racism. They have been motivated to speak out because of the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. The three films, which focus on influential Civil Rights leaders and Black thinkers such as James Baldwin and Toni Morrison, as well as issues of social injustice, could not be more topical.
Starting on June 7, the film will be available in eight cities through community partners. The cities include Akron, Ohio; Charlotte, North Carolina; Detroit, Michigan; Macon, Georgia; Miami,...
- 6/4/2020
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Before the opening night screening of Mucho Mucho Amor at this year’s True/False festival, co-director Kareem Tabsch discussed the impact that the film’s subject, the late famed Puerto Rican astrologer Walter Mercado, had on his life growing up, and in helping him come out as gay to his parents. “If they loved Walter, they could […]
The post ‘Mucho Mucho Amor’ Review: A Love Letter to the Man Who Helped Fans Love Themselves [True/False 2020] appeared first on /Film.
The post ‘Mucho Mucho Amor’ Review: A Love Letter to the Man Who Helped Fans Love Themselves [True/False 2020] appeared first on /Film.
- 3/9/2020
- by Abby Olcese
- Slash Film
The 37th edition of Miami Dade College's Miami Film Festival returns to downtown Miami with more than 125 feature films, documentaries, and short films from 30 countries, screening March 6-15. This year's edition opens with The Burnt Orange Heresy (pictured), directed by Giuseppe Capotondi and starring Mick Jagger, Donald Sutherland, Elizabeth Debicki, and Claes Bang. It's the fifth screen adaptation of the late Miami noir novelist Charles Willeford; the festival will also screen a 35mm print of another Willeford adaptation, George Armitage's Miami Blues, starring Alec Baldwin and Jennifer Jason Leigh, to mark the film's 30th anniversary. The festival closes with Cristina Constantini and Kareem Tabsch's documentary Mucho Mucho Amor, about the late Puerto Rican astrologer Walter Mercado, a flamboyant figure who charmed many with his televised horoscopes....
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 2/4/2020
- Screen Anarchy
As Netflix reportedly nears a mid-to-high seven-figure deal for “The 40-Year-Old-Version” after its Sundance Film Festival premiere, the talks mark a realization of the streamer’s strongest needs. Netflix, whose business model hinges on viewers always coming back for more, sees potential in the film’s writer-director-producer-star Radha Blank: The acquisition is less about this one film and more about establishing a lasting relationship with a fresh new voice.
Loosely based on Blank’s experiences as a New York playwright, the film won the Sundance Directing Award Saturday. She’s unknown by a mass audience, but Netflix is betting that its 61 million Us subscribers will also respond to her — and potentially create a brand name that it can add to its lineup of exclusive deals like Ryan Murphy, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, and Shonda Rhimes. (Netflix declined comment on the impending deal.)
Festival acquisitions have become increasingly rare for Netflix,...
Loosely based on Blank’s experiences as a New York playwright, the film won the Sundance Directing Award Saturday. She’s unknown by a mass audience, but Netflix is betting that its 61 million Us subscribers will also respond to her — and potentially create a brand name that it can add to its lineup of exclusive deals like Ryan Murphy, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, and Shonda Rhimes. (Netflix declined comment on the impending deal.)
Festival acquisitions have become increasingly rare for Netflix,...
- 2/4/2020
- by Chris Lindahl
- Indiewire
While the Sundance 2020 market started slow, sales started to pick up late Sunday night with “The Night House” and “Herself,” followed by “Ironbark” and “Uncle Frank” on Monday morning. Since then a handful of documentaries have sold, and Andy Sambert’s “Palm Springs” set a new festival sales record at $17.5 million.
A lot of films selected as part of the festival program also already had distribution in place. Others pre-sold before the festival even began: “The Father,” the documentary “Mucho Mucho Amor” and the midnight thriller “His House” have already found homes. We’ll be updating this list with any additional sales as they come in.
Also Read: 16 Buzziest Sundance Movies for Sale in 2020, From Julianne Moore's 'The Glorias' to Michael Keaton's 'Worth' (Photos)
Sundance Institute
“Boys State”
Apple and A24 bought the global rights to political documentary “Boys State” on Monday, which is playing in the U.
A lot of films selected as part of the festival program also already had distribution in place. Others pre-sold before the festival even began: “The Father,” the documentary “Mucho Mucho Amor” and the midnight thriller “His House” have already found homes. We’ll be updating this list with any additional sales as they come in.
Also Read: 16 Buzziest Sundance Movies for Sale in 2020, From Julianne Moore's 'The Glorias' to Michael Keaton's 'Worth' (Photos)
Sundance Institute
“Boys State”
Apple and A24 bought the global rights to political documentary “Boys State” on Monday, which is playing in the U.
- 1/28/2020
- by Brian Welk and Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
In the 1976 Oscar-winning classic Network, Faye Dunaway’s character refashions television news into entertainment, and one of the features she inaugurates is a segment called “Sybil the Soothsayer,” which spews out nightly doses of prophecies for the masses. That was meant to be an outlandish satirical fantasy of what television might become, but, in fact, there was already a real-life counterpart to Sybil on television, and his name was Walter Mercado, a Puerto Rican-born, gender-fluid astrologer who offered advice to viewers who wanted a peek into their futures.
Now, filmmakers Cristina Constantini (Science Fair) and Kareem Tabsch (The ...
Now, filmmakers Cristina Constantini (Science Fair) and Kareem Tabsch (The ...
- 1/25/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
In the 1976 Oscar-winning classic Network, Faye Dunaway’s character refashions television news into entertainment, and one of the features she inaugurates is a segment called “Sybil the Soothsayer,” which spews out nightly doses of prophecies for the masses. That was meant to be an outlandish satirical fantasy of what television might become, but, in fact, there was already a real-life counterpart to Sybil on television, and his name was Walter Mercado, a Puerto Rican-born, gender-fluid astrologer who offered advice to viewers who wanted a peek into their futures.
Now, filmmakers Cristina Constantini (Science Fair) and Kareem Tabsch (The ...
Now, filmmakers Cristina Constantini (Science Fair) and Kareem Tabsch (The ...
- 1/25/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
What a fraud, you might have thought glimpsing astrologist Walter Mercado on TV in the ’90s. But you wouldn’t forget his face. The bejeweled and blonded psychic hotline pitchman looked like a sorcerer from outer space. Cristina Costantini and Kareem Tabsch’s giddily glittery documentary “Mucho Mucho Amor” traces the half-century that Mercado was a global icon, his fingers whirling like flamenco dancers as he hypnotized audiences from Holland to Brazil.
Mercado was as at-home on “Sally Jesse Raphael “as he was in his birthplace of Puerto Rico, where strangers would jockey to stroke his fabulous 15-pound capes, or even finagle a kiss on the cheek. Howard Stern hooted that he was “bigger than Jesus Christ.” Mercado demurred that he was closer to Buddha. But when the film starts, Mercado hasn’t been on camera for over a decade. Many fans assume he’s dead. How could that grande dame live without a spotlight?...
Mercado was as at-home on “Sally Jesse Raphael “as he was in his birthplace of Puerto Rico, where strangers would jockey to stroke his fabulous 15-pound capes, or even finagle a kiss on the cheek. Howard Stern hooted that he was “bigger than Jesus Christ.” Mercado demurred that he was closer to Buddha. But when the film starts, Mercado hasn’t been on camera for over a decade. Many fans assume he’s dead. How could that grande dame live without a spotlight?...
- 1/25/2020
- by Amy Nicholson
- Variety Film + TV
A radiant documentary with the power to send Latinos into a frenzy of uplifting nostalgia, Argentine-American filmmaker Cristina Costantini and Kareem Tabsch’s “Mucho Mucho Amor” thoroughly and lovingly eulogizes revered Puerto Rican astrologer Walter Mercado, in a film that mixes celebrity cameos and heart-to-heart chats with the late icon himself.
One of the few true pan-Latino figures, ageless Mercado reached millions of households across the United States, as well as throughout Latin America (including Portuguese-speaking Brazil), and even Europe for decades on TV, radio, and print media.
Entire families hung on his every word and shushed one another to hear what he had to say about their respective futures. For those of us who interacted with his image every day, during his long stint on Univision’s “Primer Impacto” or his solo show, that’s a shared memory that evokes the comfort of familiarity. If Walter Mercado was on,...
One of the few true pan-Latino figures, ageless Mercado reached millions of households across the United States, as well as throughout Latin America (including Portuguese-speaking Brazil), and even Europe for decades on TV, radio, and print media.
Entire families hung on his every word and shushed one another to hear what he had to say about their respective futures. For those of us who interacted with his image every day, during his long stint on Univision’s “Primer Impacto” or his solo show, that’s a shared memory that evokes the comfort of familiarity. If Walter Mercado was on,...
- 1/24/2020
- by Carlos Aguilar
- The Wrap
Netflix has acquired the worldwide rights to the feature-length documentary “Mucho Mucho Amor” ahead of its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, an individual with knowledge of the deal told TheWrap.
The feature, directed by Cristina Costantini and Kareem Tabsch, tells the story of gender non-conforming astrologer Walter Mercado. Mercado mesmerized millions of Latino viewers over four decades before he disappeared out of the public eye. He died on Nov. 2, 2019 at age 87. The film will premiere at Sundance on Jan. 24 and will debut on Netflix this summer.
Costantini, Tabsch and Alex Fumero are producers on the project, while Darren Foster, Lisa Leingang, Mona Panchal and Jeffrey Plunkett serve as executive producers. Muck Media, Key Rat, Inc., and Topic Studios produced.
Also Read: 'The Father' Starring Anthony Hopkins and Olivia Colman Acquired by Sony Pictures Classics Ahead of Sundance
Lin-Manuel Miranda, Eugenio Derbez and Raul De Molina are featured in the documentary.
The feature, directed by Cristina Costantini and Kareem Tabsch, tells the story of gender non-conforming astrologer Walter Mercado. Mercado mesmerized millions of Latino viewers over four decades before he disappeared out of the public eye. He died on Nov. 2, 2019 at age 87. The film will premiere at Sundance on Jan. 24 and will debut on Netflix this summer.
Costantini, Tabsch and Alex Fumero are producers on the project, while Darren Foster, Lisa Leingang, Mona Panchal and Jeffrey Plunkett serve as executive producers. Muck Media, Key Rat, Inc., and Topic Studios produced.
Also Read: 'The Father' Starring Anthony Hopkins and Olivia Colman Acquired by Sony Pictures Classics Ahead of Sundance
Lin-Manuel Miranda, Eugenio Derbez and Raul De Molina are featured in the documentary.
- 1/17/2020
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Netflix has picked up worldwide rights to the documentary Mucho Mucho Amor ahead of its Sundance Film Festival premiere.
The feature, which will screen in the U.S. Documentary Competition section, tells the story of Walter Mercado, the iconic, gender non-conforming astrologer who, every day for decades, mesmerized 120 million Latinx viewers with his extravagance and positivity with his televised horoscopes until, one day in 2007, he disappeared.
Directors Cristina Costantini (Science Fair) and Kareem Tabsch (The Last Resort) explore Mercado's complex story, find him and are invited into his home as he prepares to restore his legacy in ...
The feature, which will screen in the U.S. Documentary Competition section, tells the story of Walter Mercado, the iconic, gender non-conforming astrologer who, every day for decades, mesmerized 120 million Latinx viewers with his extravagance and positivity with his televised horoscopes until, one day in 2007, he disappeared.
Directors Cristina Costantini (Science Fair) and Kareem Tabsch (The Last Resort) explore Mercado's complex story, find him and are invited into his home as he prepares to restore his legacy in ...
- 1/17/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Netflix has picked up worldwide rights to the documentary Mucho Mucho Amor ahead of its Sundance Film Festival premiere.
The feature, which will screen in the U.S. Documentary Competition section, tells the story of Walter Mercado, the iconic, gender non-conforming astrologer who, every day for decades, mesmerized 120 million Latinx viewers with his extravagance and positivity with his televised horoscopes until, one day in 2007, he disappeared.
Directors Cristina Costantini (Science Fair) and Kareem Tabsch (The Last Resort) explore Mercado's complex story, find him and are invited into his home as he prepares to restore his legacy in ...
The feature, which will screen in the U.S. Documentary Competition section, tells the story of Walter Mercado, the iconic, gender non-conforming astrologer who, every day for decades, mesmerized 120 million Latinx viewers with his extravagance and positivity with his televised horoscopes until, one day in 2007, he disappeared.
Directors Cristina Costantini (Science Fair) and Kareem Tabsch (The Last Resort) explore Mercado's complex story, find him and are invited into his home as he prepares to restore his legacy in ...
- 1/17/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
25 years in, Slamdance is still finding ways to innovate and develop its community of emerging artists. The festival announced a major geographic expansion today, with the inaugural Slamdance Miami Film Festival slated to take place May 28-31, 2020.
Long known for its ability to launch the careers of exciting new talent, Slamdance boasts names such as Christopher Nolan, Steven Soderbergh, and Ari Aster on its alumni list. By adding a festival in Miami, they hope to provide the same treatment to up-and-coming Caribbean, Central and South American filmmakers.
“Slamdance is an established creative force and Miami boasts exceptional arts organizations matched with a strong local media scene,” said Slamdance president and co-founder Peter Baxter. “Miami’s rich history involving the ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic diversity of its creative community provide an inspiring glimpse into our cultural future. As an organization that has always valued inclusivity, Slamdance aims to do increasingly more...
Long known for its ability to launch the careers of exciting new talent, Slamdance boasts names such as Christopher Nolan, Steven Soderbergh, and Ari Aster on its alumni list. By adding a festival in Miami, they hope to provide the same treatment to up-and-coming Caribbean, Central and South American filmmakers.
“Slamdance is an established creative force and Miami boasts exceptional arts organizations matched with a strong local media scene,” said Slamdance president and co-founder Peter Baxter. “Miami’s rich history involving the ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic diversity of its creative community provide an inspiring glimpse into our cultural future. As an organization that has always valued inclusivity, Slamdance aims to do increasingly more...
- 6/6/2019
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
O Cinema to serve as official venue for event.
Slamdance Film Festival is launching a four-day Miami edition to showcase local, Caribbean, Central and South American filmmakers from May 28-31, 2020.
Slamdance Miami will present works across all forms of media including film, digital, interactive, gaming and hybrid forms of storytelling and has been set up in collaboration with Slamdance alumni partners and leading arts and educational bodies in Miami.
The festival’s alumni from Miami, Central and South America will programme the event alongside arts leaders from Miami including Black Lounge Film Series, Miami Dade College, Miami Dade County Office of Film and Entertainment,...
Slamdance Film Festival is launching a four-day Miami edition to showcase local, Caribbean, Central and South American filmmakers from May 28-31, 2020.
Slamdance Miami will present works across all forms of media including film, digital, interactive, gaming and hybrid forms of storytelling and has been set up in collaboration with Slamdance alumni partners and leading arts and educational bodies in Miami.
The festival’s alumni from Miami, Central and South America will programme the event alongside arts leaders from Miami including Black Lounge Film Series, Miami Dade College, Miami Dade County Office of Film and Entertainment,...
- 6/6/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
If any of the subjects of Andy Sweet’s colorful photographs were alive today, they might wonder: “Whatever happened to that nice boy? He was such a mensch.” They would certainly be saddened to learn of his grisly death, but heartened to see his remarkable work recognized in Kareem Tabsch and Dennis Scholl’s delightful love letter to Miami’s South Beach, the charming new documentary “The Last Resort.”
Using Sweet’s vibrant photography as a framing device and visual palette, this charming documentary — like Miami itself — has a little bit of everything: Old Jews, Art Deco architecture, serious beach style, rival artists, and a dash of queerness for good measure. Just don’t expect funny one-liners from nonagenarian caricatures; “The Last Resort” is more photographic history lesson than comic character study. The film benefits from plenty of truth-is-stranger-than-fiction twists, and the result is a patchwork storytelling technique that leaves...
Using Sweet’s vibrant photography as a framing device and visual palette, this charming documentary — like Miami itself — has a little bit of everything: Old Jews, Art Deco architecture, serious beach style, rival artists, and a dash of queerness for good measure. Just don’t expect funny one-liners from nonagenarian caricatures; “The Last Resort” is more photographic history lesson than comic character study. The film benefits from plenty of truth-is-stranger-than-fiction twists, and the result is a patchwork storytelling technique that leaves...
- 12/28/2018
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
In advance of its New York premiere at next month’s Doc NYC, Kino Lorber has picked up the North American rights to Dennis Scholl and Kareem Tabsch’s “The Last Resort,” a charming look at a Miami Beach that no longer exists, as initially documented by a pair of talented photographers. In the 1970s, Miami Beach was home to a massive cluster of Jewish retirees, the original snowbirds who set out for the warm enclave to escape harsh Northeast winters, only to find a bustling and culturally rich new home.
This budding community eventually caught the attention of photographers Andy Sweet and Gary Monroe, who embarked on an ambitious 10-year project to document the retirees in their new paradise. Sweet and Monroe shot thousands of images of the community, with Monroe opting for more stark black and white images, while Sweet favored the kind of candy-colored photos that informed that early Floridian aesthetic.
This budding community eventually caught the attention of photographers Andy Sweet and Gary Monroe, who embarked on an ambitious 10-year project to document the retirees in their new paradise. Sweet and Monroe shot thousands of images of the community, with Monroe opting for more stark black and white images, while Sweet favored the kind of candy-colored photos that informed that early Floridian aesthetic.
- 10/17/2018
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Shot on a $1.5 million budget and ranking as the lowest-budgeted film in Academy Awards’ history, 2017 best picture winner “Moonlight”, highlighted the talent associated to Miami’s burgeoning film community.
To capitalize on the surge in local filmmaking talent, ArtCenter/South Florida has launched a micro-budget Cinematic Arts residency, accepting entries until Sept. 18, that will provide up to $50,000 funding per project for two feature films by Miami-based filmmakers.
The residency will roll-off on Miami’s unique mix of talent and ethnic communities, including a large number of filmmakers with Latin American roots. It will be run by local helmer Jason Fitzroy Jeffers, co-founder of the Third Horizon Film Festival, whose Haiti-set documentary “Papa Machete,” premiered at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival and has generated over one million views on NationalGeographic.com.
Projects will be selected by a jury headed by Andrew Hevia, “Moonlight” co-producer and co-founder of the Borscht Film Festival.
Jeffers...
To capitalize on the surge in local filmmaking talent, ArtCenter/South Florida has launched a micro-budget Cinematic Arts residency, accepting entries until Sept. 18, that will provide up to $50,000 funding per project for two feature films by Miami-based filmmakers.
The residency will roll-off on Miami’s unique mix of talent and ethnic communities, including a large number of filmmakers with Latin American roots. It will be run by local helmer Jason Fitzroy Jeffers, co-founder of the Third Horizon Film Festival, whose Haiti-set documentary “Papa Machete,” premiered at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival and has generated over one million views on NationalGeographic.com.
Projects will be selected by a jury headed by Andrew Hevia, “Moonlight” co-producer and co-founder of the Borscht Film Festival.
Jeffers...
- 8/13/2018
- by Martin Dale
- Variety Film + TV
Zombies, werewolves, and serial killing social media stars will descend upon Miami this August for the third annual Popcorn Frights Film Festival. Taking place August 11th–17th, the Florida film fest's first wave of programming includes Another Wolfcop, Tragedy Girls, It Stains the Sands Red, Better Watch Out, and more.
Press Release: Miami, Fl – Popcorn Frights Film Festival, Florida’s largest and most respected genre film event, announces its first wave of programming for its third annual celebration of genre-twisting cinema, occurring August 11 through 17, 2017, at Miami's landmark O Cinema Wynwood theater.
"We're thrilled to bring the best in horror and genre filmmaking to South Florida audiences for our third annual Popcorn Frights Film Festival. We scoured the globe for the most audacious and spine-tingling films and this first wave selection just gives a small taste of all the exciting things to come,” said Igor Shteyrenberg & Marc Ferman, Co-Founders & Co-Directors of the Popcorn Frights Film Festival.
Press Release: Miami, Fl – Popcorn Frights Film Festival, Florida’s largest and most respected genre film event, announces its first wave of programming for its third annual celebration of genre-twisting cinema, occurring August 11 through 17, 2017, at Miami's landmark O Cinema Wynwood theater.
"We're thrilled to bring the best in horror and genre filmmaking to South Florida audiences for our third annual Popcorn Frights Film Festival. We scoured the globe for the most audacious and spine-tingling films and this first wave selection just gives a small taste of all the exciting things to come,” said Igor Shteyrenberg & Marc Ferman, Co-Founders & Co-Directors of the Popcorn Frights Film Festival.
- 6/14/2017
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
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